Care home tribute to Covid victims
ACARE home in Rochdale recently held a remembrance service to honour the residents who they lost due to Covid in 2020.
Half Acre House Care Home lost 10 residents to the pandemic.
Manager Elesha Greaves said: “On November 5, 2020, our little home changed forever, when coronavirus entered our home, even with all the restrictions and guidance in place.
“What was a routine hospital admission for one of our residents turned out to be the start of the next few weeks where we saw 10 residents contract coronavirus and sadly pass away.
“Even at this sad time, staff reflected on how they had felt honoured to have taken care of these special elderly people and wanted to demonstrate this in some way.
“These residents had made an impact on the lives of staff and even their children too.” This was especially true for Elesha and her daughter Amelia.
She added: “Staff and children wanted to say goodbye, a year on, because they felt so honoured to have taken care, as they put it ‘of each beautiful soul.’ “To do this they launched 10 colourful biodegradable Chinese lanterns, each bearing the name of a resident, who they had tragically lost to Covid.
“The lanterns were launched one by one into the night sky.
“As they soared into the moonlit sky, far above the trees, visitors and staff waved an affectionate and fond farewell.
“This sensitive, emotional gesture preceded a celebration firework party in the grounds of the care home.
“A small firework display was enjoyed by everyone, who were also treated to traditional bonfire food of black peas, jacket potatoes, parkin and treacle toffee.
“The weather was mild and dry, but residents, well wrapped up and swathed in blankets, gasped in amazement as the fountains of gentle fireworks decorated the garden.
“Even a Guy Fawkes, created by residents, was set alight in a wheelbarrow to make the occasion a little more authentic.